Forum Discussion

Stutch's avatar
Stutch
Explorer
Mar 26, 2015

Garmin Basecamp

Hi all!

I'm trying to use Garmin basecamp. I honestly have to say I have never seen a application this poorly designed in my life. Intuitive, it is NOT!

A simple example.... There is a function on the menu bar labeled "Trip Planner." Nowhere in Help or instructions explain what this is or how to use it. If you search the index or subjects it comes up blank.

I spent most of the day trying to put in a round trip route with 5 stops and have failed. Basically very frustrated since I was hoping I could use this to plan and then export to the RV760LMT.

Have you had better success with Basecamp or can recommend any other software that will export to a Garmin GPS?

Thanks
Class A
  • deereone's avatar
    deereone
    Explorer
    Mar 26, 2015
    I just bought a Garmin RV 760, it and basecamp have to be the worst designed GPS I ever laid my hands on. Of course I'm 72 years old and nothing comes easy these days. I don't have the time to find a replacement right now, but soon as I get home someone can have it for cheap on Ebay and I'll find something more user friendly.
  • jfkmk's avatar
    jfkmk
    Explorer
    Mar 26, 2015
    I recently updated the maps on my Garmin Nuvi and wanted to try the trip planner in basecamp. You're fight, intuitive it is not! What's worse is, after playing with it and figuring it out, I discovered my Garmin is too old to use it on! Ack!
  • grampscamper's avatar
    grampscamper
    Explorer
    Mar 26, 2015
    I agree it's not very user friendly. I use the new route function and drag waypoints into it. You obviously must set the waypoints first. Then you can add additional waypoints to the route. I plan my entire trip then transfer waypoints to the GPS. I just use GO TO function on my GPS each day not the route function. Now I've used it for a while I like it but takes lots of patience to learn.
  • PCarnathan's avatar
    PCarnathan
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2015
    I've never heard of "Basecamp", but Garmin's still got the best hardware product out there. I use Garmins on my ATVs and PWC. Although, I have to admit I installed Pioneer CD/AM/FM/XM/Nav/DVD decks in both my truck and the RV. The Honda CR-V and Honda Goldwing both came with in-dash navigation systems.

    I wonder if Garmin knows their software is a bummer? I would take a few moments at the Garmin website to let them know.

    Pat in Menifee, CA
    www.patcarnathan.com
  • BobGed's avatar
    BobGed
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2015
    There is definitely a steep learning curve, but there is a Yahoo Group that has some helpful information for those that wish to persevere. Garmin760 Group

    On edit: I just realized I was logged into Yahoo when I posted the above link. If it doesn't work, then just do a search for Garmin760 Yahoo Group.
  • gsf35099's avatar
    gsf35099
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2015
    I would recommend going to the Garmin forums and researching. There are some absolutely knowledgeable people out there and some Basecamp information. I have gotten some great information there to help me understand & use my Garmin.
  • dkreuzen's avatar
    dkreuzen
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2015
    I have been using Basecamp since it came out. Like others I gave it up after a short time. When MapSource support stopped (the predecessor to Basecamp) a few years ago I had to force myself to learn Basecamp. It took awhile but I can now do just about anything I want to do now... except use the Trip Planner. The Trip Planner is useless, it's much easier to just use the routing tool with waypoints.
  • RicJones's avatar
    RicJones
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2015
    2x on it sucking. You might do a google search and try to find an old copy of Mapsource from Garmin, much easier to use. The only issue may be maps.
    I use both and like others said found BaseCamp difficult to work with, with too many work arounds for me.
  • rcarpe06's avatar
    rcarpe06
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2015
    I have the Garmin 2797. I agree that Basecamp sucks but I have found a good work-around. I use Google maps to layout my route exactly how I want it, then I export it to a file, then I import that file into Basecamp and simply transfer it to the GPS.

    So I basically only use Basecamp as a tool to transfer the route to the GPS from Google Maps.

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